Excavation Reveals Hidden History of Lancaster County’s Oldest Tavern

Excavation Reveals Hidden History of Lancaster County’s Oldest Tavern

In the picturesque setting of Lancaster County, archaeologists and students from Millersville University have made a remarkable discovery beneath a tranquil pasture. Their excavation likely uncovers the remains of the county’s oldest tavern, offering a rare window into colonial American life.

This exciting dig has been underway this autumn and has already yielded thousands of artifacts. The site, situated north of Marietta, was believed to be the location of the Galbraith Ordinary, a tavern constructed around the year 1725.

A Closer Look at the Dig

Leading the excavation is Timothy Trussell, an anthropology professor at Millersville University. He expressed enthusiasm about the findings, emphasizing the importance of the artifacts in shedding light on provincial life during the 18th and 19th centuries.

According to Trussell, the excavation team has uncovered an impressive variety of bones, indicating the types of meals enjoyed by patrons. So far, they have identified bones from cows, pigs, and chickens, as well as game meat like deer and wild birds, potentially including wild turkey.

This eclectic mix of remains suggests that the tavern’s visitors augmented their traditional diets with local wildlife—a practice common among early settlers in frontier settings.

Artifacts of Everyday Life

In addition to the remains, the team discovered an array of artifacts, including shards of ceramics, glass, and intriguing personal items. Among these was a handmade toothbrush crafted from bone and glass buttons. Such artifacts provide insight into daily life and personal grooming habits of the time.

Trussell pointed out that ceramics are particularly significant, as they can be easily dated, serving as time-markers for discerning the historical context of the site. Some of these ceramics date back to the 17th century, although most fall between 1750 and the 1790s.

The timeline is consistent with the tavern’s establishment circa 1725. As settlers’ wealth increased over the years, they began purchasing more refined ceramics, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior and social status.

Surprising Discoveries

Among the most unexpected finds during the excavation were brass bells reminiscent of antique sleigh bells. Trussell commented on this discovery, noting that while they appear to be from the 19th century, he had never previously encountered such bells.

These intriguing artifacts varied in size, with one resembling a quarter and the other being somewhat smaller than a tennis ball. While the bells are a fascinating find, Trussell admitted that they were not what they initially anticipated discovering.

The team also expected to find numerous clay smoking pipes, a staple in tavern culture of that era. However, the actual number of fragments uncovered was surprisingly low. This discrepancy led Trussell to speculate that the Scots-Irish patrons may not have engaged in smoking to the extent expected.

The Role of Students in the Dig

Every artifact retrieved from the site is meticulously cataloged and added to a database. Trussell noted that the largest discoveries may occur in the laboratory, where further analysis will take place.

Students participating in the fieldwork have expressed enthusiasm for the hands-on experience. For many, this excavation not only offers a break from traditional classroom learning but also provides the thrill of unearthing history.

Trussell shared a sentiment echoed by many in the field: the excitement of holding a centuries-old object, knowing they are the first to touch it in nearly three hundred years. Such interactions ignite curiosity about the lives of those who once used the items.

Continuing the Story of Colonial Life

As the fieldwork continues, Trussell stated that for every day spent digging, there are five days dedicated to laboratory analysis, highlighting the extensive nature of the project. The work aims to recover stories lost to time, not only about colonial Pennsylvania life but also about the broader networks that connected it to the world.

Trussell emphasized the tavern owner’s role in this vibrant historical narrative. He described how a Scots-Irish tavern owner catered to German and English settlers, using plates imported from England while accepting silver coins minted in Spanish South America. The tavern served rum obtained from sugar plantations in the Caribbean, illustrating the interconnectedness of various regions.

The tale unfolds locally but is intimately intertwined with a complex geographical area that encapsulates a dynamic flow of people, goods, and culture across the Atlantic. This excavation represents an invaluable opportunity to dive deeper into that remarkable story.

A Journey into the Past

As this excavation progresses, the insights gathered from the Galbraith Ordinary will enrich our understanding of life during a formative period in American history. By meticulously piecing together artifacts and narratives from the past, researchers will continue to illuminate the lives of those who came before us in Lancaster County.

Ultimately, this project stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of those early settlers, whose stories echo through time, waiting to be rediscovered.